Newsletters and Blog

 A new export licensing system in China targets steel products, including all stainless steel products, starting next year, triggering expectations for higher global prices. This Chinese policy is to curb overcapacity and trade irregularities, easing competitive pressure on Taiwanese manufacturers.

After the Chinese policy release, Indonesia's Tsingshan recently raised offers by US$30 per ton, bringing its total increase to US$60 since December.

Although Taiwan’s domestic demand remains weak, high production costs forced mills to keep prices steady or slightly higher for December. Market participants expect another price hike in January as raw material expenses rise. Actual transaction prices may struggle to jump significantly due to slow consumption; however, China’s strict supply management provides a firm floor for the upcoming market cycle. (Joy Liu))

 In December 2025, global chicken importing news is dominated by changes in avian influenza (HPAI)-related trade restrictions and ongoing trade policy developments. 

• HPAI-related Import Restrictions: The status of HPAI outbreaks continues to influence import bans globally.
  • Great Britain lifted import restrictions on poultry meat from Argentina following an assessment that the HPAI outbreak was resolved. This means imports can resume without specific heat treatment requirements.
  • Kuwait has banned imports of certain poultry products from HPAI-affected regions in Portugal, the US, and Mexico, while lifting previous bans on Turkey and Bangladesh.
  • China updated its banned list for animal products from countries with endemic diseases in December 2025, continuing its strict biosecurity measures.
• Trade Policy and Market Dynamics:
  • The EU has delayed a major free-trade deal with South America's Mercosur bloc until January 2026 due to opposition and farmer protests.
  • A trade deal between the US and Switzerland has created small bilateral tariff quotas for poultry, but the modest scale means no significant impact on Swiss prices or domestic production is expected.
  • In Ghana, a local company, La Bianca, launched smaller poultry product packs, sparking debate on whether repackaging imported meat truly supports the domestic industry or just rebrands import dependency.
  • Ukrainian poultry producer MHP SE reported higher profits and revenue, despite production disruptions from the ongoing war, due to strong demand and strategic acquisitions in Europe.
• Production and Prices:
  • In Egypt, chicken prices have dropped significantly, a situation that is beneficial for consumers but threatens the profitability of local industry players due to market speculation and feed costs.
  • Overall, the global poultry market outlook for the rest of 2025 remains strong, with poultry positioned as an affordable protein option compared to beef and pork. However, supply growth in Europe, Africa, and Latin America remains slow due to tight parent stock availability, a constraint expected to last until early 2026. (https://share.google/37LIzGqkfgCokkwal)

               (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/imports-exports-and-eu-trade-of-animals-and-animal-products-topical-issues)

Taiwanese mills are projected to implement larger-than-expected price increases of NT$2,000–$3,000 per ton for January. Key drivers include:Cost Push: A US$60/ton surge in purchasing expenses following price hikes from Indonesia Tsingshan.

Supply Pressure: Tightening regional availability due to China’s upcoming export licensing policy.

Inventory Shift: Recent restocking driven by currency fluctuations and rising production overheads.(Yieh Corp Steel News)

Yieh United Steel Corp. (Yusco), a leading stainless steel manufacturer in Taiwan, announced a substantial price hike starting this January 2026, driven by rising production expenses. The company increased the price of 304 stainless steel by NT$5,000/ton, while 316L products rose by NT$1,000/ton. Prices for the 430 series remain unchanged. This decision reflects a second consecutive monthly increase for the main 304 hot-rolled and cold-rolled products.

Yusco said the decision was due to tighter nickel ore quotas in Indonesia, which drove up nickel pig iron costs. Besides, China’s new export licensing system, effective January 1 next year, aims to stabilize global supply.

With global interest rate cuts improving liquidity and AI industry demand lifting base metal 

prices, the company adjusted its rates to account for these changing market conditions..(Yieh Corp Steel News) Source